Recommended Santa Barbara Golf Courses
It’s wonderful to golf anywhere in Santa Barbara, but even better to find one of the many courses with ocean views or even along the ocean’s bluff. The breezes across the links make for the most refreshing kind of recreation. Santa Barbara offers six championship golf courses alongside several other nine-hole and private courses for all your golfing desires. We’ve included a list of popular golf courses in Santa Barbara including Glen Annie Golf Club, Rancho San Marcos, Sandpiper Golf Course, Santa Barbara Golf Club, La Purisma, Ocean Meadows, River Course, Hidden Oaks, and Twin Lakes.
Glen Annie Golf Club
Located in the rolling foothills of scenic Santa Barbara County, this championship golf course is enhanced by breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Aside from its extraordinary setting and unmatched design, every effort has been made to provide exceptional service and personal attention. After your round, enjoy dining at the Frog Bar & Grill featuring a creative and inviting atmosphere.
Rancho San Marcos
This Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Golf Course houses 18 holes and 4 sets of tees totaling 6802 yards. Additionally, there’s a 15 acre practice facility with all grass tees. Caddies and professional instructors are available by request. The course also features Titleist rental clubs and rental shoes, and their pro shop has a full line of apparel. Group rates and catering are available, and you can enjoy Davy’s Stable Café for breakfast and lunch.
Sandpiper Golf Course
Golf at the edge of the Pacific Ocean! Measuring over 7,000 yards, this par 72 Championship course offers a combination of challenge and beauty with spectacular ocean and mountain views from every hole. This facility also includes a full service pro shop, PGA instruction, complete practice facilities, and both indoor and patio dining. Sandpiper Golf Course is nationally ranked by Golf Digest and is a premier destination for group outings and tournament play.
Santa Barbara Golf Club
This Par 70 public course is always in great shape with affordable pricing. Its award-winning shop features a complete line of golf merchandise and HG club fitting center. Reservations are recommended for this beautiful course that offers a convenient location with mountain and ocean views.
Hidden Oaks Golf Course
Hidden Oaks is a relaxed course for casual 9-hole play. It’s an all Par 3 course with plenty of holes to help you work on your short game. It is a great way to spend a few hours working on your chipping and putting.
La Purisma
La Purisima was rated at 4.5 stars, making it the highest rated public golf course on the Central Coast. Only one course in all of California was rated higher—Pebble Beach at 5 stars. Golf Digest survey comments include; “An outstanding test, bring your ‘A’ game.” “A wonderful mix of beauty and sport.” “Best of the best.” “My #1…Outstanding layout…Very challenging when the wind is up…Central California’s hidden gem, that may be the best course in the state….The best!…Favorite course to play”.
River Course at the Alisal
Only blocks from Solvang, River Course at the Alisal is situated along the Santa Ynez River in one of the Central Coast’s most picturesque settings. The 18-hole Par 72, 6,830 yard course offers a variety of interesting challenges from water holes and grass bunkers to the sheer distraction of miles of unobstructed views. The River Grill serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.
Twin Lakes Golf Course
Twin Lakes emphasizes teaching both beginning and advanced golfers. The teaching staff consists of three Class A PGA professionals, with more than 40 years of experience. The practice facilities are extensive and include the latest high-tech advances. The center is lit at night with laser accurate yardage markers and electronic ball dispensers.
Zaca Creek Golf Course
This course has tree-lined fairways and many sand bunkers spread throughout its design. However, there are no water hazards on this course. The greens are typically flat, but a few are full of subtle breaks. The course is in great condition and easy for the average golfer to score well on.